Rep. Corrine Brown: “the first agency to respond to the terrorist act on September 11 was the United States Coast Guard. Within minutes, they…”

“the first agency to respond to the terrorist act on September 11 was the United States Coast Guard. Within minutes, they were guarding our ports, bridges and waterways. It was so reassuring to know that they were out there protecting us while other agencies were still in shock, and I want to point out, all while under the supervision of the Department of Transportation. I strongly oppose the transferring of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security. Moving the Coast Guard to the new Department is not in the best interest of the Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland Security, or the American people. Each year the Coast Guard conducts over 40,000 search-and-rescue cases. They inspect U.S. and foreign flag ships, and protect many of U.S. citizens who travel on cruise ships and ferries. Most important to my home State of Florida, they stop drugs from entering our country. Over 80 percent of the Coast Guard's operating budget is spent on missions that have nothing to do with border protection or homeland security. The Republican Party is supposed to be the party of smaller government, but today they are creating a huge monster. I do support the creation of a Department of Homeland Security, but this Congress cannot just rubber-stamp this legislation. It is not unpatriotic to ask serious questions about this agency, and we should not base the process on a symbolic date. Our constituents deserve better than that.”